Better than Belgium? 🇧🇪

Hey friends, welcome back to the Egypt Weekly Roundup.

This week’s edition is a diplomacy-heavy one, with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi having recently returned from the G7 Summit. Egypt’s national football team is also showing up globally in the sports world, more on that below.

Let’s jump right in.

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• Sisi and Trump meet 🇺🇸

• Rail network getting EUR 690 million upgrade 🚆

• A strong start in the World Cup ⚽

TRUMP | G7 SUMMIT | US-EGYPT RELATIONS
PRESIDENT SISI TALKS GAZA AND IRAN WITH TRUMP ON G7 SIDELINES

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, where the two leaders discussed efforts to end the war in Gaza and recent developments surrounding the US–Iran agreement.

At the G7: The meeting came during a summit heavily focused on Middle East crises, where El-Sisi called for comprehensive political solutions to the region’s conflicts and emphasized the need to move beyond cycles of war and escalation.

Iran and peace: El-Sisi congratulated Trump on the agreement reached between Washington and Tehran (which as of writing this seems to be on shaky ground again), describing it as an important step toward ending regional tensions and creating an opportunity for broader stability across the Middle East.

Gaza remains a priority: The Egyptian president stressed the importance of advancing efforts to end the war in Gaza and reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to working with international partners to support peace and stability in the region.

The two leaders agreed to intensify consultations and coordination between Cairo and Washington on key regional issues, with Egypt reiterating its readiness to support diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts.

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TRANSPORT | RAIL NETWORK
EGYPT SIGNS EUR 690 MILLION DEALS TO MODERNIZE ITS RAIL NETWORK

Egypt has signed agreements worth EUR 690 million to modernize key parts of its railway system, as the government continues its push to upgrade transportation infrastructure and improve connectivity across the country. The agreements will finance new railway signaling systems, track upgrades, and modernization projects aimed at improving the safety, efficiency, and reliability of Egypt’s rail network.

The financing package was signed with several European partners and development institutions, reflecting continued international support for Egypt’s infrastructure agenda and transport sector reforms.

A long-term overhaul: The investment forms part of Egypt’s broader railway modernization strategy, which has seen billions of dollars directed toward upgrading rolling stock, stations, signaling technology, and rail lines over recent years. Officials say the projects will help reduce travel times, increase network capacity, improve operational safety, and enhance the overall passenger and freight transportation experience.

FOOTBALL | 2026 WORLD CUP
EGYPT EARN VALUABLE DRAW VERSUS BELGIUM IN WORLD CUP OPENER

Egypt kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Belgium, securing an important point against one of the tournament’s strongest teams. The Pharaohs delivered a disciplined performance against a side ranked among the world’s elite, with many analysts arguing it was Egypt’s win for the taking if missed chances were converted.

A strong start: The result gives Egypt an early boost in the race for qualification to the knockout stages, with a point against one of the group favorites potentially proving crucial later in the tournament. After ending their pre-World Cup preparations with a defeat to Brazil, the performance offered a positive response and demonstrated Egypt’s ability to compete with top-tier opposition on the biggest stage.

What comes next? Opening matches often shape the trajectory of a World Cup campaign, but situations can change quick. The Pharaohs now turn their attention to New Zealand, knowing a win in their second match could put them in a strong position to challenge for a historic place in the knockout stage.